Page 3: THE Christmas season is here. What does that mean to you, your family, and your associates? Is it a spiritual occasion, or is it only a festive and merry period? Is it a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ or not to be concerned about Christian norms?
Note: The Watch Tower is in violation of the Bible.
Colossians 2:16-17 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.
Page 4: Concerning the Christmas celebration as it is generally known all over the world, The Encyclopedia Americana says: "Most of the customs now associated with Christmas were not originally Christmas customs but rather were pre-Christian and non-Christian customs taken up by the Christian church. Saturnalia, a Roman feast celebrated in mid-December, provided the model for many of the merry-making customs of Christmas. From this celebration, for example, were derived the elaborate feasting, the giving of gifts, and the burning of candles."
Note: The Watch Tower is mocking how God works in cleaning up pagan celebrations.
Acts 10:15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed you must not call common."
Page 5: Christmas, or the Nativity, was not celebrated by early Christians. One encyclopedia says about this: "The celebration was not observed in the first centuries of the Christian church, since the Christian usage in general was to celebrate the death of remarkable persons rather than their birth." The Bible links the celebration of birthdays with pagans, not with God's true worshipers. - Matthew 14:6-10.
Correction: Jesus Christ celebrated his birthday by baptism.
Luke 3:23 Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age,
Page 6: Luke 2:8-14 describes what followed: "There were also in that same country shepherds living out of doors and keeping watches in the night over their flocks. And suddenly Jehovah's angel stood by them, and Jehovah's glory gleamed around them, and they became very fearful. But the angel said to them: 'Have no fear, for look! I am declaring to you good news of a great joy that all the people will have, because there was born to you today a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, in David's city. And this is a sign for you: you will find an infant bound in cloth bands and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there came to be with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and saying: 'Glory in the heights above to God, and upon earth peace among men of goodwill.'"
Note: Have no fear to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ. The angels celebrated the birthday.
Page 6: The visiting astrologers - however many of them there were - did not worship the true God. The Bible version La Nueva Biblia Latinoamerica (1989 Edition) states in a footnote: "The Magi were not kings, but fortune-tellers and priests of a pagan religion." They came in line with their knowledge of the stars to which they were devoted.
Correction: The Magi were ancient astronomers.
Astronomer defined: one who makes observations of celestial phenomena. Webster's
Matthew 2:1-2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."
Pages 6-7: Had God wanted to guide them to the young child, they would have been led to the exact place without needing to go first to Jerusalem and to Herod's palace.
Correction: God used the meeting between Herod and the Magi to fulfill Bible prophecy.
Matthew 2:16-18 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: "A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more."
Note: Bethlehem is only a couple of miles outside of Jerusalem.
Page 7: No, Jesus Christ is not a baby anymore, or even a child. He is the ruling King of God's Kingdom, which very soon will eliminate all rulerships opposed to God's will, and he will solve all problems of mankind. That is the Kingdom we ask for in the Lord's Prayer. - Daniel 2:44.
Correction: True Christians will pray for the spiritual kingdom to come into the lives of people.
Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Page 7: Through the angels' declaration to the shepherds, we learn that the opportunity for salvation is open to all who are willing to hear the message of the good news.
Note: The good news is about Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the good news of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
Page 7: Those who gain the favor of God become "men of goodwill." There are marvelous prospects for peace in all the world under the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, but people must be willing to do God's will.
Note: Have you sincerely placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ according to God's will?
John 6:40 "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."
Page 8: In the midst of such uncertain conditions, there is one group of peace lovers who have remained neutral as to the political struggle. Zealously, they direct attention to God's Kingdom as the only hope for resolving the problems that confront people, both locally and globally. (Daniel 2:44) Who are they? Jehovah's Witnesses.
Correction: True Christians will direct peoples attention to Jesus Christ.
Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.
Page 8: In obedience to Jesus' command, they are endeavoring to take the good news of God's Kingdom to the most isolated parts of the Chiapas highlands. (Matthew 24:14)
Correction: The good news concerns Jesus Christ.
Acts 28:30-31 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.
Page 11: Only God's Kingdom in the hands of his Son, Jesus Christ, can bring the solution to the injustice and poverty in the world. - Matthew 6:10.
Correction: Only Jesus Christ can bring the solution to the injustice and poverty in the world.
Revelation 19:15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Page 12: AS Jehovah's Witnesses, we readily admit that when the Bible's promises were first explained, our hearts swelled with gratitude. Every day, we learned something new about God's purposes. The more we learned about Jehovah, the stronger our desire became to serve him "with a complete heart and with a delightful soul."
Note: True Christians are servants of Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the good news of God
Page 12: Many who become Jehovah's Witnesses continue to serve Jehovah with boundless joy throughout their lives.
Note: True Christians are servants of Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
Page 13: In addition to meditating privately on Jehovah's goodness, we need to associate with fellow Christians. It is encouraging to meet regularly with men, women, and young people who love God and who are determined to serve him.
Note: True Christians will love Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Page 13: Mature Christians of the past whose love for God was indisputable had to put forth vigorous effort to do God's will. (Luke 13:24) The apostle Paul was one such Christian. He openly described his feelings in this way: "I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, there dwells nothing good; for ability to wish is present with me, but ability to work out what is fine is not present. For the good that I wish I do not do, but the bad that I do not wish is what I practice." (Romans 7:18, 19)
Correction: Mature Christians rely on the Holy Spirit and not themselves.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Page 13: Like many of us, Paul had sinful tendencies that got in the way of his desire to do what was right. However, he put up a hard fight against those tendencies, and most of the time, he was successful. Of course, Paul did not accomplish this in his own strength. He wrote: "For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who imparts power to me." (Philippians 4:13) Jehovah, the one who imparted power to Paul, will also empower you to do what is right if you ask him for his help. (Philippians 4:6, 7)
Correction: Jesus Christ will strengthen you by the Holy Spirit to overcome sin in your life.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Page 14: When the apostle Paul wrote to Christians in Colossae, he was in Rome under house arrest, though he could have visitors. As you would expect, Paul utilized his limited freedom to preach about God's Kingdom. (Acts 28:16-31)
Note: The Kingdom of God concerns Jesus Christ.
Acts 28:23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.
Page 14: Fellow Christians could visit Paul, perhaps some even being confined with him at times. (Colossians 1:7, 8; 4:10) One was the zealous evangelizer Epaphras from the city of Colossae in Phrygia, in the plateau country east of Ephesus in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Epaphras had been instrumental in forming a congregation in Colossae, and he labored for the congregations in nearby Laodicea and Hierapolis. (Colossians 4:12, 13)
Note: Epaphras was a bondservant or slave of Jesus Christ. Are you?
Col. 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Page 14: Paul responded with an inspired letter that countered some of the views that false teachers were spreading. He focused particularly on the central role of Jesus Christ should play.
Note: False teachers like the Watch Tower do not focus on Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Page 19: The brothers with Paul in Rome must have given practical, strengthening aid, as yours can be. Both then and now an added blessing is that the bonds of love are strengthened, and we are firmly resolved to serve Jehovah together loyally.
Correction: True Christians serve Jesus Christ faithfully.
Col. 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
Page 19: The point is not that we develop the inclinations of humanitarians. That was not the goal of the brothers mentioned at Colossians 4:10, 11. They were "fellow workers for the kingdom of God." The strengthening effect related directly to that.
Correction: The kingdom of God is the love and care of others in the name of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 25:44-45 "Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'"
Galatians 2:10 They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.
Page 19: We mention others by name in our private prayers and make efforts to strengthen them because of this: We believe that our brothers and sisters want to "walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him." (Colossians 1:10)
Note: Pleasing God is being born again in Jesus Christ and not practicing partiality.
Galatians 6:15-16 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
Page 19: JESUS' followers were deeply interested in fellow worshipers. Tertullian (writer of the second and third centuries C.E.) Told of the kindness that they showed toward orphans, the poor, and the elderly. Those evidences of love in action so impressed unbelievers that some said of Christians, 'See how they love one another.'
Note: Tertullian was a Trinitarian.
He was the first writer in Latin to formulate Christian theological concepts, such as the nature of the Trinity. Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia, Volume 25, page 249.
Page 20: Epaphras keenly desired that his spiritual brothers and sisters in Colossae "finally stand complete." The term Paul used, here rendered "complete," can have the sense of perfect, full - grown, or mature.
Note: Mature Christians will have Jesus Christ first place in their lives.
Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Page 20: You likely know that someone's being a baptized Witness of Jehovah does not of itself mean that he is a full-grown Christian. Paul wrote the Ephesians, living to the west of Colossae, that shepherds and teachers try to help "all attain to the oneness in the faith and in the accurate knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown man, to the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ."
Note: Mature Christians will have Jesus Christ first place in their lives.
2 Peter 3:17-18 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Page 20: If some in Colossae were not yet spiritually full-grown, or mature, that needed to be their goal. Should not the same be true today?
Note: Mature Christians will have Jesus Christ first place in their lives.
Colossians 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
Page 20: We now know that God is not partial and that we should not be.(Acts 10:14, 15, 34, 35)
Note: The Watch Tower is a false teacher since it teaches partiality.
Page 22: The Colossians were spirit-anointed Christians. They had a distinct hope, life in the heavens, and they had every reason to keep that hope bright. (Colossians 1:5)
Page 22: Now consider these questions: If you are striving to be one of the "great crowd" who will survive "the great tribulation," how real is your hope? (Revelation 7:9, 14) Is it part of your "firm conviction in all the will of God?
Correction: The "great crowd" will be in heaven during "the great tribulation.".
Revelation 19:1 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven, saying,
Page 21: Epaphras prayed that the Colossians "stand complete." Clearly, Epaphras was praying to God that to the extent that the Colossians were complete, mature, full-grown Christians, they would "stand," or remain such.
Note: Mature Christians "stand complete" in Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:6-7 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Page 21: This adds force to the prayer that the Colossians "finally stand complete." Once they became complete, full-grown, they needed to persist, not shrinking back, growing weary, or drifting away. (Hebrews 2:1; 3:12; 6:6; 10:39; 12:25) Thus they would be "complete" in the day for their inspection and final approval. - 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Peter 2:12.
Note: Mature Christians "stand complete" in Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:2-4 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Page 22: Yes, there was a need (by the Colossians and by us) for full conviction about the Christ's role in God's purpose and in our life. Paul explained: "It is in him that all the fullness of the divine quality dwells bodily. And so you are possessed of a fullness by means of him, who is the head of all government and authority." - Colossians 2:6-10.
Correction: Mature Christians will know that Jesus Christ is God in human flesh.
Colossians 2:9-10 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
Page 22: When Jehovah's Witnesses first shared the Bible's message with you, a certain truth may have caught your attention, such as the condition of the dead or the resurrection.
Correction: Mature Christians know that Jesus Christ is the truth.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Page 22: For many, the primary new realization was the Bible-based possibility of life in an earthly paradise. Recall when you first heard that teaching. What a marvelous hope - sickness and old age will be no more, you can live on to enjoy the fruits of your labor, and there will be peace with the animals! (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10; Isaiah 65:17-25; John 5:28, 29; Revelation 21:3, 4)
Correction: True Christians will have peace and reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:19-20 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
Page 22: In time, you likely faced some opposition or persecution. (Matthew 10:34-39; 24:9) Even in recent times, Witnesses in various lands have had their homes plundered or have been forced to become refugees.
Note: True Christians suffer for the person and name of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 24:9 ... and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake."
Page 22: Some have been physically assaulted, have had their Bible literature confiscated, or have been the object of lying reports in the media. Whatever form of persecution you may have faced, as Romans says, you could exult in the tribulation, and it brought a fine result.
Correction: Jehovah's Witnesses suffer tribulation due to a curse from God.
Galatians 1:8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other good news to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
Page 23: Then endurance led to an approved condition. You knew that you were doing what was right, doing the will of God, so you felt sure that you had his approval. In Paul's words, you sensed being in "an approved condition." Continuing, Paul wrote that "the approved condition, in turn (produces) hope." That may seem a bit strange. Why did Paul list "hope" so far along in the series? Did you not have hope long before, when you first heard the good news?
Correction: The good news of Jesus Christ produces hope.
Colossians 1:5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the good news,
Pages 23-24: Clearly, Paul is not here referring to our initial feeling of hope of perfect life. What he refers to goes beyond that; it is deeper, more motivating. When we endure faithfully and thus realize that we have God's approval, this has the profound effect of adding to and strengthening our initial hope. The hope we had now becomes much more real, more solid, more personal.
Correction: The good news of Jesus Christ produces hope.
Colossians 1:27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Page 24: It was Epaphras' earnest prayer that his brothers and sisters in Colossae remain touched by and convinced of what lay before them, having "firm conviction in all the will of God." Let each of us similarly approach God regularly about our hope. In your private prayers, include your hope regarding the new world. Express to Jehovah how much you long for it, with full conviction that it will come.
Correction: True Christians will pray for encouragement, love, and the knowledge of God.
Colossians 2:1-3 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Page 24: The loyal Christians around you will feel similarly as they observe that you "stand complete and with firm conviction in all the will of God." - Colossians 1:23.
Note: Mature Christians will preach Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Page 24: Paul wrote encouragingly to the Colossians about their walking "worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him." (Colossians 1:10) Yes, it is possible for imperfect humans to please him fully. Your Colossian brothers and sisters did so.
Correction: True Christians will "walk worthily" of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:13-14 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
Titus 3:4-7 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Page 25: The chairman of the program was Stephen Lett, a member of the Teaching Committee of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses. He built his opening remarks on Matthew 5:13, "You are the salt of the earth," Brother Lett explained that Jesus' words certainly apply to the graduating students. For instance, salt has the property of making things palatable. So, too, by their effective preaching work, missionaries are like salt in a figurative way.
Correction: People will give God glory through your loving care of fellow mankind
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Page 25: The first was John Wischuk, who serves in the Writing Department. His theme, "The Shortest Psalm Promotes the Missionary Spirit," was based on Psalm 117. Today, there is a worldwide need for giving a witness to the "nations" and "clans" concerning Jehovah and his Kingdom.
Correction: True Christians will be Jesus Witnesses.
Acts 1:8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Page 25: The chairman next introduced Guy Pierce of the Governing Body. He spoke on the subject "Be Flexible, yet Firm." God's Word is solid. Jehovah God is called the Rock at Deuteronomy 32:4, yet his Word allows for flexibility in that it was written for all language groups and cultures - yes, for all mankind.
Note: Jesus Christ is identified as the Rock in the New Testament.
1 Cor 10:4 For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.
Page 27: Lawrence Bowen pointed out the apostle Paul's words at Acts 20:20 regarding his public ministry in Ephesus, highlighting that Paul took advantage of all opportunities to give a witness.
Note: The theme of Paul's witness was repentance and faith never your works.
Acts 20:21 "...repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."
Page 27: Brother Splane pointed out that the wise graduate views himself as a student. The missionaries should take the view that everyone they meet in their missionary assignment has the potential for teaching them something. (Philippians 2:3)
Note: True Christians will confess Jesus Christ as Jehovah.
Philippians 2:11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Jehovah),